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In the early 1960s, Canadians were captivated by “the flag issue” — how best to represent a changing, and some would say, divided country with a new flag. Seniors, children, adults — by the thousands decided to help out, sending Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson their suggestions.

The maple leaf flag that celebrates its 50th anniversary on Feb. 15 was eventually chosen, but thousands of hopefuls still reside inside a few dozen cardboard boxes at Library and Archives Canada. They are a census on the national mood — what Canadians were worried about, cared about, and hoped for the country.

For two days in February, the Star made it through six of the 30 boxes. Every day this week, we’ll share some of our favourites with you and explore what they say about Canada before the Maple Leaf.

First on the docket is civility and helpfulness. Among regular folks across the country, there was a legitimate desire to help Pearson.

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The politeness, respectfulness and kindness in the letters is stark. Perhaps it stands out in contrast to the digital era, where casual correspondence, anonymity and snark come quickly, without the same degree of careful thought that marks good old fashioned letter-writing.

Here are ten flag submissions that didn't make it, but are incredibly polite (for the most part)

As a society, we need to do better on penmanship.

(Library and Archives Canada)

We are letting our forefathers down. Look at the pizzazz they put into government correspondence.

This flag may not be much to look at, but the letter is incredibly sweet and lovely.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“I read a little article in the newspaper the other day which said the average person writes to their prime minister at least once. So I want to be average. During the election campaign there was much talk of a Canadian flag. As I am a Canadian of many generations I would like to see one so I am sending my idea of a flag which I think should be acceptable to all ... I believe the people in the western provinces say the maple leaf is not grown out there, well apparently they didn't object to the maple leaves on our nickels and coppers... I wish you all the best in your difficult position,” wrote this charming Toronto woman in March 1963.

On the issue of maple trees not growing out west (which is not true, according to the government: “At least one of the ten species (of maple) grows naturally in every province.”), this woman had a solution: rabbits and pine trees.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“British Columbia and the Northwest Territories don’t have any (maple trees). I am not saying my views are perfect because they probably aren't but in my opinion they are. The flags I drew are on another page. I picked the rabbit or hare and the pine tree because these two things are all over all Canada.”

There was no Google Image search in June 1964, but this Victoria woman was resourceful.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“Every since the Flag design has been in the news, I had an idea a Beaver would be very appropriate, upon a Maple leaf — regardless of color. But I never seemed to be able to find a picture of a beaver — Just came across this on a cheap folding fan, picture crude, yes, but it carries my ideas, so thought I would send it along.”

Fans weren’t the only objects sent in. This Toronto woman knitted a flag for Prime Minister Pearson and explained her yarn selection on reverse.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“1. Blue for the many water ways in our Great Country. 2. Sand, for the vastness of our great lands in our Domain. 3. Green, for the trees and forests that we are very proud of. Join the Maple Leaf & Fleur de Lis as joining hands in Unity.”

Canadians used what they had at the ready — including cooking materials.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“With nothing more on hand than some cake coloring this morning, I used it to the best advantage to depict an idea that some of your artists with an open mind could probably translate into a design that few, if any, Canadians would object to, because the encircled maple leaf appears on all our boys gravemarkers overseas,” wrote this Surrey woman in May 1964.

If you don’t have cake colouring — rake a few leaves.

(Library and Archives Canada)

It seems the nation’s productivity was affected by the flag debate.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“Yesterday's newspaper headlines compelled me to leave my vacuum cleaner sitting in the hall and the ironing waiting in its plastic bag, while I made an effort to develop a more interesting flag (if we must have one) than the one under debate,” wrote a woman from London, Ont.

Even people who disagreed were polite — and rather funny — about it, like this Vancouver woman.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“I am sorry to say that I dislike your flag, However, I dislike even more, the flag with the single, red, maple leaf and red boarders (sic). It looks like a beer lable (sic) … I hope you will notice how the maple leaf looks like a maple leaf. The colours are also blue, white and gold. The French Canadians could not possibly disagree with the combination as their own crest is gold and white.”

OK. So not everyone was polite.

(Library and Archives Canada)

“Dear sir don't be Gypsy Junkey, this is the way I would like are (sic) Canada flag to look. Red background and just one great big golden leaf. And no — any other junk,” wrote this man in May 1964.

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